NBA: Cooper Flagg dazzles as Dallas gets revenge on Cleveland

Two days after getting thumped by the Cavaliers, the Mavericks answered the only way that mattered. In Cleveland, Dallas won 130-120 in a spectacular game, led by a scorching Cooper Flagg.

The No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft flirted with a triple-double and steered the Mavs to a morale-boosting win.

Cooper Flagg in control

In a hostile Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Flagg produced one of the cleanest games of his young career.

The Mavericks’ prodigy finished with 27 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds, flirting with a triple-double. Deadly efficient — 10-of-17 from the field in just 33 minutes.

Cooper Flagg 27 PTS, 6 REBS, 10 ASTS, 2 BLKS, 6/8 FT, 66% TS on 10/17 FG vs Cavaliers https://t.co/yABZsQd2Yh pic.twitter.com/DwIYpF5mS8

— NBA Performances (@NBARewinds) March 15, 2026

It’s the 12th time this season Flagg has hit the 27-point mark.

Alongside him, Naji Marshall poured in 25, and P.J. Washington posted a tidy double-double with 20 and 11.

Dallas gets its revenge

A response was expected. On Friday, Cleveland embarrassed them 138-105.

This time Dallas looked different. After a tight first half — 60-59 at the break — the Mavs flipped the switch after halftime.

They opened the third with a bang, ripping off seven straight to pull clear and take control.

Decisive third quarter

Dallas pushed the lead out quickly when Ryan Nembhard sank a three to make it 78-67.

Cleveland tried to claw back, but every charge was met by another Mavericks run.

Rookie John Poulakidas turned heads too, finishing with 10 points — eight of them in the third — in just his second NBA game.

By the start of the fourth, Dallas led by as many as 21.

Cleveland’s comeback came too late

The Cavs mounted a late push in the final minutes, but the deficit was too big.

Donovan Mitchell scored 26, and Max Strus — making his season debut after missing the year with a fractured foot — put up 24 in his first game back.

But Cleveland’s 16 turnovers hurt badly, gifting Dallas 25 easy points.

A win that does Dallas good

The victory ends a seven-game skid against Cleveland.

It’s only Dallas’ second win in their last 11 games, but it might kickstart a team still hunting consistency.

Next up for the Mavericks: a trip to New Orleans.

If Cooper Flagg keeps playing like this, Dallas may finally find some life.

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